Farm Broadcaster of the Year

Since 1969, NAFB has been recognizing distinguished broadcasters with the Farm Broadcaster of the Year award. It is given to individuals who have proven their abilities in broadcasting, have shown true commitment to the industry through their actions and their promotional efforts, and have shown leadership in the industry and within their communities. It is perhaps the most coveted award in our industry.

Thank you to Syngenta for their long-term sponsorship of the award.

Farm Broadcaster of the Year Recipients

2016

Susan Littelfield, KRVN Rural Radio Network, Surprise, NE

2015

Gary Truitt, Hoosier Ag Today, Zionville, In

2014

Ken Anderson, Brownfield Ag News, Lincoln, NE

2013

Pam Jahnke, WOZN/Q106, Milwaukee, WI

2012

Al Gustin, KBMR/KXMR Radio, Bismark, ND

2011

Greg Akagi, WIWB Radio/Kansas Agriculture Network, Topeka, KS

2010

Jeff Nalley, Cromwell Ag Radio Network, Utica, KY

2009

Ken Root, WHO Radio, Des Moines, IA

2008

Michelle Rook, WNAX Radio, Yankton, SD

2007

Mike Hergert, Red River Farm Network, Grand Forks, ND

2006

Stewart Doan, Yancey Ag Network, Little Rock, AR

2005

Lynn Ketelsen, Linder Farm Network, Owatonna, MN

2004

Don Wick, Red River Farm Network, Grand Forks, ND

2003

Orion Samuelson, WGN, Chicago, IL

2002

Bob Bosold, WAXX/WAYY, Eau Clarie, WI

2001

Max Armstrong, WGN Radio/Tribune Radio Networks, Chicago, IL

2000

Rick Haines, Northern Ag Network, Billings, MT

1999

Colleen Callahan, WMBD, Peoria, IL

1998

Gary Wergin, WHO, Des Moines, IA

1997

Cyndi Young, WTAX/WVAX, Springfield, IL

1996

Joe Cornely, WFRD, Columbus, OH

1995

Mike Adams, WLDS, Jacksonville, IL

1994

Kathy Patton, Kansas Ag Network/WIBW, Topeka, KS

1993

Ron Hays, Oklahoma Agrinet, Oklahoma City, OK

1992

Roddy Peeples, VSA Radio Network, San Angelo, TX

1991

Art Sechrest, WJBC, Bloomington, IL

1990

Jack Crowner, Farm Service Network, Louisville, KY

1989

Taylor Brown, Northern Ag Network, Billings, MT

1988

Gary Truitt, Indiana Agribusiness Network, Indianapolis, IN

1987

Bob Ratliff, Progressive Farmer Network, Starkville, MS

1986

Paul Pippert, WIBW, Topeka, KS

1985

Ed Slusarczyk, Ag Radio Network, Utica, NY

1984

Wayne Rothgeb, WKJG-TV, Fort Wayne, IN

1983

Ron Hendren, KGRC, Hannibal, MO

1982

Harry Martin, Rural Radio Network, New Palestine, IN

1981

Earl Sargent, KWFT, Wichita Falls, TX

1980

Horace McQueen, KLTV, Tyler, TX and KTRE, Lufkin, TX

1979

Lee Kline, WHO, Des Moines, IA

1978

Marvin Vines, KAAY, Little Rock, AR

1977

Rich Hull, WIBW, Topeka, KS

1976

Royce Bodiford, KGNC, Amarillo, TX

1975

Ray Wilkinson, WRAL, Raleigh, NC

1974

Wey Simpson, KHQ, Spokane, WA

1973

Verne Strickland, WRAL, Raleigh, NC

1972

Russell Pierson, WKY, Oklahoma City, OK

1971

Keith Kirkpatrick, WHO, Des Moines, IA

1970

Barney Arnold, WHAS, Louisville, KY

1969

George Logan, WIBW, Topeka, KS

"I’ve been an NAFB member for over 40 years and our station has been in the organization for over 50 years. NAFB membership has given me a chance to meet top leaders in agriculture, government and agribusiness in both professional and social settings. Some of my closest friends I met through NAFB."

In early 2016, corporate restructuring in RFD TV brought Janet Adkison back to Tennessee, but she kept one foot in the nation’s capital, traveling back for various events. This summer the change is official. Janet is now full-time on the anchor desk welcoming audiences each morning during the Market Day Report and nightly during the Rural Evening News.

Joe Daughhetee (WITY, Danville, IL) graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a BS in accounting and an MS in business. Joe has been in private industry accounting with experience in cost accounting, and for the past 25 years, in public accounting.